Why Dez Dickerson Left Prince and the Revolution

Why Dez Dickerson Left Prince and the Revolution. Dez Dickerson served as the lead guitarist for Prince's touring band from 1979-1982, but he left just before their stardom hit its highest point. Why would he do such a thing? Watch the video to find out!
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[@PrincesFriend]

WATCH NEXT: Interview - Allen Beaulieu - Prince: Before the Rain kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3K0anmLe5xsqMk

[@davidreid1171]

Is Allen Beaulieu ant kin to Trace Beaulieu of "Mystery Science Theater" fame?

[@PrincesFriend]

Anything’s possible

[@davidreid1171]

THANKS.

[@g-love6507]

@@PrincesFriend There's a hard to find interview that Prince did in the late 70's with either "Right On" Or "Black Star" Magazine where Prince said he "Sold His Soul to the devil" ! I used to have the mag back in the day and never thought that article would be relevant and provide context to both Prince's mysterious death and incite into all the satanic stuff taking place in the entertainment business today.. There's several eyewitness accounts of Princes occult abilities ! Dez like many others have signed NDA's and can't tell all that went on with the Purple guy but along with being disillusioned Dez probably was disturbed by Prince's satanic activities.. Same with Vanity.. There's lots of myths and falsehoods about Prince but it is what it is !

[@MsSassydiva12]

Dez Dickerson is my husband's uncle he is a awesome guy. And prince and Dez had good chemistry while working together. Missing prince like crazy 💜💜💜

[@PrincesFriend]

Dez is awesome. I got to meet him once but not for any extended period of time lol

[@MsSassydiva12]

@@PrincesFriend yes he is that awesome you met him.

[@darincampbell467]

@Mr Brownstone - Why does that matter idiot? Don’t disrespect that man like that! Stay out of his bedroom. It ain’t none of your business! Go figure!

[@darincampbell467]

Cool fact! You are fortunate to have such a close connection. Thanks for the info! Peace.

[@MsSassydiva12]

@@darincampbell467 I agree

[@livmarcim4518]

Dez, Andre and Prince, they were so great together on stage, they should have played longer together

[@vincentestone5764]

The BEST out of ALL Prince's Bands !

[@only1jamesp]

Imagine seeing those guys in concert

[@kikig463]

I agree. I just loved those three as the frontmen, and will always regard Prince. & The Revolution as one of the best bands ever!

[@troyscott3959]

They are my favorite out of all the Prince bands 😎🎶

[@livmarcim4518]

Original ? You sure about that ? Dez and Andre was there since 1979 for the first Prince tour. Not Wendy

[@HiroForever]

I really like the chemistry of Prince and Dez together

[@DJ-vu9lx]

Dez was in love/awe with Prince

[@micahisgod5898]

Although I am a HUGE Prince fan, my favorite verse in "1999" is... "But life is just a party and parties weren't meant to last". ~Dez Dickerson

[@coachrobinson9958]

Very insightful. ;))

[@mariedeconde]

Me too ❤

[@tealx8462]

@@mariedeconde Mine, also!

[@lorenharris2965]

Dez was not just a lead guitarist. He co-wrote the Vanity 6 album with Prince, played instruments (including drums) and some of the Time’s music. He’s not credited on the album, but he is listed in the publishing notes.

[@olla4388]

He also did the instrumental sound of the song ' 3x2=6 '

[@aaronsoto9100]

Off all the Prince's alumnis interviews, Dez was one of the most respectful, nice and sincere human beings. Love him!

[@Annabee399]

As gifted guitarists, Prince, Dez, and Andre Cymone were a terrific triad. They knew how to stroke and pick their musical instruments. I'm love-struck again.

[@johncastro39]

I agree. To me they are the original Prince sound I like.

[@JustAmeda]

You did very well on this. Dez is my pastor and a great person to know. I can tell you that his 2003 book titled My Time with Prince-Confessions of a Former Revolutionary is a great read. It is a book about his own journey before Prince, during Prince and post Prince. He has a non-demoninational/interdemoninational church called We Are Here that is held in a local downtown music venue called The High Watt every Sunday from 9:30am-11am.

[@PrincesFriend]

If you talk to him and I got something wrong, be sure to tell me. Lol.

[@JustAmeda]

Prince's Friend I will see him on Sunday! I will let him see the vid! :)

[@chuckst98]

Prince's Friend Please let us know if you hear from Dez and as you said if something is inaccurate if he could clarify!!

[@JustAmeda]

He talked about the song on Sunday and said he co-wrote it!

[@JustAmeda]

Stoney Rich that is a very cool story!!

[@j.cleveland9031]

I still have a guitar pic he threw into the audience! It hit me in the neck, and went down my shirt!(I was in the 3rd row in downtown Cleveland & the 2nd concert I'd ever been to). Prince, Time, Vanity 6, stayed at the hotel my mom was the mgr. at. I saw some of the band members in the game room playing pool. I was playing Ms. Pacman because I just got out of school, so I'd walk to my moms office & help her, or hang out and do my homework, or play in the game room. Like I said I was playing Ms. Pacman & Morris Day & some band- mates were playing pool. Prince walked in singing with the hotel music playing overhead- it was George Benson's. "Turn your love around". By then my mom gave me that stare that instantly got my attention. You know the look that can burn a hole in you? Thats the look. She told not to bother them. Later, they gave my mom 2 tickets & a backstage pass. Tickets were in the 3rd row! My older brothers & wives already bought tickets. My mom said I could go with a chaperone. I went with a local boxer who knew my family. Dez was an amazing, almost hypnotic guitarist & made my night seem magical. Great memories! Thank you!

[@mattbastubee5255]

J. Cleveland great story what year was it?

[@andrearubidge6635]

Thanks,,,, Princes’ Friend for telling the story of Dez,,,,,I had heard it before,but now I know it was True. I am so proud of Dez for doing what he thought was right for him. May God Bless him. I hope he has found the happiness,and I think he has, that he was looking for. He choose what was right for him. 🙏☮️❤️

[@valeriehowell-mcnulty4926]

Andrea Rubidge AMEN. ❤❤👏👏

[@nikkinicholas2688]

Andrea Rubidge Good Stuff!

[@johnhunter377]

I admire and respect Dez for his talent, integrity, and his religious convictions.

[@nishani3]

Much respect to Dez. I always appreciated the Revolution when Dez was there along with Andre, Gayle, Bobby, and Dr. Fink then eventually when Lisa joined.

[@roseroyce6874]

nishani3 You Mean ( Wendy Joined The Group lIsa was in the group before wendy join )

[@oubrioko]

Mayte Jannell Fans Uh, nishani3's comment *is* accurate and makes perfect sense. Lisa _eventually_ joined the band. She replaced Gayle as the new female keyboard player and backing vocalist.

[@roseroyce6874]

oubrioko OMG you can even ask her yourself 😂😂😂

[@oubrioko]

Oh, you were just trolling? It's cool. Nevermind.

[@williemo44]

Revolution was best Prince band bar none. That era had the right mix of funk, punk, rock, and blues. It was the Minneapolis Sound. Jam and Lewis to this day are still pure to that sound.

[@jamartinez70]

Because he wanted to be a Modernaire !

[@artfull334]

Jay Martin 😂

[@JamesSmith-vk2ky]

Precisely!

[@NOWtheband]

* Modernaire ;-)

[@travismclaurin9419]

I want to be Modenair. Mondenair Modenair!

[@Jamie2Starr]

🤣🤣🤣😃

[@PrincesFriend]

Wow! I just want to point out that this is my first video to ever get 1000 likes! Woot!

[@marqosmarqos1201]

Congratz brother. Great video

[@evanabbott2737]

That’s what’s UP!😁👍

[@rayiron-ace-1497]

80's for music was forever changing full of opportunities to make a name for themselves , the dream was there , but not the same stardom ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jaramillolugo5921]

🤗👍🙏Many more likes to come your way! Congrats!

[@dennelclayton5188]

As always well done. And yes you should continue the series. I've seen a few interviews with Dez Dickerson, he's actually a really intelligent guy. I had always wondered why he left the band and what became of him afterwards. So nice to hear that he did well for himself

[@Lindae696969]

Thank you for covering Dez Dickerson! I always respected him, he is a class act and well respected in the industry. He is so very talented, also plays keyboards, writes, produces and is s great showman!! Dez wrote a book “ My Time With Prince” which is fascinating! He talks about how he auditioned for Prince, the early days on road and touring! Miss Dez, I hope goes back to his music!! 💜💜💜

[@zacherywatkins9539]

Dez is my all time favourite member of the Revolution 🎸 🤘

[@biancachi6435]

My fav channel. Please continue these videos!

[@Allhoney33]

Loved this! Keep doing these videos. Also Dez wrote a book called My Time with Prince. I bought it years ago so I'm not sure if it's still in print. It was long before Prince's death. The book was a great read and you really get the sense Dez is a humble guy that's cool to be around.

[@timhale9140]

Love the videos, keep it up. So much history behind one man and all those around him. One thing I might have added was that even Prince had a change in life spiritually which also changed his view on his own songs and how he played them at concerts later if he played some of them at all.

[@NickMichalak]

When Dez finally released Modernaire digitally a few years back I grabbed it up right away. I'm so glad to have all the tracks from the Purple Rain film.

[@charlenejames723]

I wondered about Dez Dickerson. Nice to know he is doing well. God Bless Him.

[@nikkinicholas2688]

Thanks for SHARING! & Yes keep the story's coming. Love Nikki

[@jasonbreininger7375]

Thanks for clarifying. I always just assumed he had greater musical aspirations than just being Prince’s guitarist (hence fronting his own band shown in Purple Rain). Short videos highlighting the various members of Prince’s bands is a great way to inform everyone of all the talent he surrounded himself with over the years.

[@pamela0673]

Videos coming in thick and fast, just catching up during my lunch break now!! Keep up the great work.

[@DerekPool]

Definitely Keep up these videos. I learned a lot from this one. Awesome that he found success in his new chapter.

[@randinnashville5968]

Have met Dez several times - talented, bright, the consummate gentleman.

[@mariocortez2577]

Thanks Prince firend for making the video I requested for u

[@MadHatterND]

First of all, you have a great channel and I'm happy to be a subscriber. Dez...I sure wish I could here more from him. Love that guy and his great guitar playing. Also, I sure hope you read his book. What an excellent read! Keep this great material coming!

[@brianherron9420]

I had no idea, but always wondered why he left, thanks for making this! Please make more like this!!!☺

[@alluresearlesxxxgalaxyqueen]

Great VIDEO I like it I'm proud of Dez for doing what he wanted to do

[@kimberlyhampton5332]

Awesome! Great info. Yes, please do more of these videos.

[@jimmyspry6207]

Just watched a few of your videos on Prince and subscribed, nice to learn new stuff on him and his bands, keep it up

[@warrencox7852]

Thanx for this. I always wondered why Dez & Andre left the band. I checked out the Cymone clip as well. Keep ‘em comin’ bro.

[@PrincesFriend]

Thanks much!

[@williewhite1161]

Dez, Andre and Prince not only had chemistry with their sound, but even more so with their visual. At that time when they 1st came out touring with Rick James, no other black band had that mysterious rock band look, which added to the mystic, and interested of those 3 in particular. I'm happy for Dez. Besides, none of those bands during that era were able to keep all the original members. It is quite normal for people to have their own agendas in life. But man, I'll have to admit that I really miss those rock/funk band days.

[@SherrieSherrieSherrie]

Great video, PF 💜 I loved Dez and I always though the band lost a bit of their rock edge when he left. So glad to hear he's had success in life. Is he still working with the Revolution? Thanks!

[@conniegarrison7240]

Hell yea keep doing these videos!!! Love your work & new subscriber.

[@mmb9391]

I really like when you do videos like this!! Its great to hear the story behind the different people in Prince's life. I would love to hear the story behind Wendy and Lisa, and their departure. For the the longest time I didn't even know they had contributed to Sign of the Times. KEEP DOING THESE!!!!! ❤👍

[@mattbelinski7760]

Great video man! My first concert was Prince on the Purple Rain tour at the Forum in LA, so Dez had already left the band but my Brother saw them on the 1999 tour a few years earlier when Dez was still with them in Virginia.

[@hjklegacy1283]

Awesome report!!! Pls, keep doing what you're doing! :)

[@braceletgirl9447]

I love this story. Thank you for sharing this information. Prince is still and Always will be my number 1. My heart still hurts. I couldn't do anything that whole month. 😢 I always wondered what happened to Dez. These 3 men, Prince, Dez, and Andre were my crushes the finest finest, finest 😊❤🙏🏾 I'd love to hear from him

[@romanfilmgod]

That was great!! Excellent information.

[@MandyWatts]

Yes do keep doing these nuggets of info - interesting and all help to build a picture.

[@orlandojohnson5742]

Always wondered what happened to him!! I didn't even know Andre had married Jody Watley at one time!!! Knew he did a lot of music on one of her albums... Dez obviously was a great guitarist as well!! A great era of talented musicians during the 70-90's 60's too!

[@dncrod]

I appreciate your balanced take on why he left the “blossoming” Revolution ; ) You didn’t mock he religious motivations. There should be more of that. I enjoyed hearing that he didn’t leave music or circle of friends when he converted. Some folks have to do that, understood. But it’s nice to see when they still stick around, too.

[@PrincesFriend]

Totally! I actually loved hearing that he was following a higher calling and did very well for himself too.

[@bernettamorton3626]

Thanks for making this video. Dez, in my opinion, is extremely gifted and talented and very well spoken. I've seen him in interviews and was so impressed by him. He knew what he wanted to do then had the courage and conviction to follow a different path. I respect him and still enjoy clips from the past of his singing and playing. He was just so cool on stage...he was absolutely spectacular! 🎶

[@raycampbell162]

Bernetta Morton Dez might have been pretty good but I think Wendy would have given him a run for his money 💰.

[@bernettamorton3626]

Ray Campbell I know we like to compare and contrast...so here's my comment...there is a time for everything...and everyone. Dez and Wendy were a part of the purple experience when they were supposed to be. We all grow and change and move on. Both incredible artists who showcased their gifts and talents for us to enjoy. I loved the material they cranked out because they seemed to love what they were doing and they seemed to work hard to give their best. Amazing work! 🎶🎸🎶 Prince knew the sound he wanted and the chemistry he wanted in a band and he was able to include people who helped create some amazing and magical sounds that are timeless classics! 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@chelsearogers1289]

Ray Campbell NO! She would not. It is a known fact to people in that circle that Wedy was not a good soloist.

[@okcomputer0101]

I loved that mordernaire track during the movie. As a kid I remember searching for it in my aunts and uncles record collection. They had every prince related release from the 70s till the early 90s.

[@tragic504]

On the 1999 album inside of the letter I it says "and the revolution" upside down so this is technically the introduction of the revolution not the purple rain album

[@sonia17140]

Keep doing these videos. Informative. I did not know that about Dez.

[@ABN6565]

I read DEZ's book 2 times. He puts you right there in the mix of things and what he was going through. Really a good book.

[@hmapp]

Outstanding presentation and how you have your audience some background information..keep up the good work..

[@jeannetteduette6704]

You are so informative and knowledgeable and your fans really appreciate your contribution to the Prince legacy. Thank you for your relentless research. I am a subscriber!

[@PrincesFriend]

Thank you and welcome!

[@philanderwicks]

Yes, please keep doing these videos. I’m a long time Prince fan.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Can’t believe I’ve never ran across this video and channel. So cool! Whenever anyone asks me who my guitar heroes are, my top 2 are ALWAYS Eddie Van Halen and Dez Dickerson. They always say “Dez who?” Then I play them old Prince songs and show them videos and they say “Oh yeah! I remember him!” Big influence on me.

[@chelsearogers1289]

More like 1978. Dez was there from the very beginning.

[@edennard1]

Danielle Rameau Correct.

[@melaniebiggins9203]

True

[@jaymarshall9093]

Please, keep doing these vlogs. They are very informative and interesting, to learn about all of the talented people Prince worked with. You never here to much about them once they leave Prince. I would love to hear about Wendy and Lisa.

[@lastdaysguitar]

I grew up in Maplewood, MN and lived very near Dez's parents back in the day - went to school with Dez's sister Ladonna (awesome person), and his dad was THE BEST umpire at my Little League baseball games. Dez had a band called Romeo that KICKED BUTT. The keyboardist from that band (Roland Lozier) is still a good friend & a guy I ended up playing with in church for over 20 years. This is a really accurate video of what went down. Well done!

[@denisevassallo1620]

Yes keep doing these videos It is is interesting to find out what really happened to everyone that was with prince and then moved on

[@muluemebetkebede205]

Denise Vassallo I like your video so much he's best friends for him please try to interview him thank you 💔☔️🎸👏🏽

[@margaretgordy3760]

muluemebet kebede 2

[@lillygarfield4531]

Love this video! Please do more!

[@sixstringemotion]

Good videos, full-fro bro! lol...I almost woke up the house looking up to see what that [breathin] sound was -- that lil clip at the end = great!

[@PrincesFriend]

Heheheh thanks. I aim to please q

[@eddiemiller7138]

Dez is a very Talented guy. 🎹 🎸 🎶

[@blairfranklin7320]

Nothing wrong with him leaving. I'm glad he was happy after he left. He's a good guitar player. He made a good contribution to Prince. Good video and keep making more.

[@LG-kx8xl]

❤🎶Thank you for sharing! Much respect to Dez. Wow...this auto correct. I kid you not. When I first typed much respect to Dez it changed to "much respect to sex! If I thought Prince could see this, I'd think it was him playing a joke since he loved to laugh.🤣 Now I almost want to cry missing him.❤

[@psneed7297]

L G. Ahhh. Feeling you.💜 😎

[@flyworldwide8961]

Thanks for the info on Dez I always wanted to know what happen to him glad to hear he’s moved on with Grace and success.

[@theraven6643]

Your info is always so entertaining 🙏🏽

[@PrincesFriend]

I try 💜

[@darincampbell467]

Nice video! This video made me have the highest respect for Dez! He listened to his heart, which is ALWAYS a good thing! I don’t fault him! We must ALWAYS walk in our OWN truth and that is what Dez did. I applaud him for that. Besides, he got to work in and work around the greatest musician of ALL time (as far as I am concerned). Not bad at all. Yes, please do more videos! I enjoy them. Peace.

[@artfull334]

Thanks for this interesting info on Dez. He was fab, especially watching him live. I heard he had a very successful music career but I had no idea that Prince’s raunchy performances didn’t sit comfortably with him, or that he converted to Christianity and left for this reason. The Dirty Mind tour was overtly raunchy though😂

[@shannon2me425]

He is awesome with Prince ! It's true that lots of young people in the 80's were teaching themselves how to be musicians. Know quite a few in my area in California that did the same. Playing by ear was more common then mentioned. Thanks for bringing that up! The great message is having joy with what we are doing - Prince really has this with music. When we aren't finding joy in what we are doing and what is coming from within - that can lead to the upset in seeking out.

[@ironcity8693]

I remembered Brown Mark in an interview stating he felt repentant reciting the prayer in the song Controversy.

[@marselluswallace6597]

Dez is the best guitarist that Prince ever had.

[@darincampbell467]

I totally agree! He was and is so cool! Peace.

[@marcusmundy6247]

loved seeing Dez on stage with Prince

[@jaymarshall9093]

Very short lived in the band but he was one of my favorite. Him and Jesse Johnson. It's also good that they do have some success after Prince.

[@beckylynn209]

Excellent video!!

[@physcostar]

Just found you and already hooked...course I'm a PRINCE fan so what you are doing is awesome for people like me

[@PrincesFriend]

Welcome! You're in good company.

[@ricobonifacio1095]

This was a cool video man. More info I didn't know. These videos teach me about parts of princes band that most don't know about so yes of course do more of these haha.

[@PrincesFriend]

I aim to please

[@cathylee5840]

I like the chemistry of Prince and Dez love your reviews Love your t-shirt have a blessed Evening 💜🙏🙏

[@ms.t.7319]

Great video and content! 💜

[@wyldshot666]

Great narrative. Great insight. Great job!

[@shakiracharriez9811]

Thank you for the information on Dez and I was sad when he left the band. I love the video and I have one request. Why did Gayle Chapman leave the band?

[@enriquereyes2843]

Love it ✌🏾that’s what I herd thanks for video

[@twiss9341]

Thanks for the vid

[@conniedunn2629]

Thanks for this information. You look really great in that T shirt.....I did not know Dez did solos on Little Red Corvette. I have heard Prince on same song thinking it was him I guess.

[@tspcocktail]

Dezzzzzz

[@alwaysastudent]

This is a great video; thanks...

[@coachrobinson9958]

Hell yeah, keep doing these videos! ;))

[@summerishere3124]

I'm from mpls. I tell you it's a different vibe here now that prince is gone. I can't explain it maybe it's that the possibility of running into prince at any given time and place is no longer.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

We are still heartbroken here. He was our guy and that’s no more. We don’t have anyone else left...

[@culturalcurio2858]

I used to live in minneapolis. I can't imagine that place without Prince! There were so many stories about him and the ladies that worked with him in town. Miss those days sometimes.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

@@culturalcurio2858 I have a prince tattoo. Someone told me how much she loved it, and she looked like she was going to cry

[@brownhulk2344]

Thanks for the update/info I wondered from time to time whatever happened to Dez Dickinson Prince's right hand man.

[@kelvinhopkins3000]

Great report. Thanks.

[@VirtousoForGod]

It’s great that Dez and Prince remained friends until his passing.

[@penguinpc]

He was vice president of A&R at Star Song Records. I love seeing his name on the credits of some of the CCM albums in my collection. Thanks for the video. :)

[@PrincesFriend]

No problem!

[@williamlevijames8904]

Thanks a lot for this video, the "Prince" album is my favorite!

[@jorgemtorres7132]

Great Video!!! ...and another example of someone not leaving the music biz after having some spiritual progression is: Prince 💜

[@artfull334]

Jorge Torres That’s Right, Prince was always a Christian from the early days in his music career. He became a JW but he always said he believed in God, he loved God,....Love you Forever Prince💜😀💜

[@xplanet2112]

Good video and it’s nice to find out that Dez has been very successful. Good metal knowledge too Ser, I saw Gary Holt’s (Exodus/Slayer) new guitar and he has “Purple Reign” on the back of the neck, I was made up to see it and he’s a big Prince fan.

[@evini7338]

Great,Yes keep em' coming

[@catchybadsongs]

I like these type videos. Keep up the good work.

[@PrincesFriend]

Got another one coming up soon actually. :)

[@deeelo5501]

Wow!! I'm going to look into Dez' company and 1 group u mentioned that I had not heard of. Yes, please continue. I prefer to receive info in the manner in which u r sharing it...NOT in a gossip format, though I am not knocking anyone. It s just my personal preference to enjoy more of a documentary format like yours . BTW, would u also consider updating us regarding Prince's sister, how things r going now that she s running the biz and any new releases, music or otherwise on Prince's behalf. Thank u.

[@JoseSanchez-sp2ex]

Cool stuff keep on doing them

[@MarcG7424]

I have always and continue to be Dez Dickerson fan

[@kelvendyson1508]

I got his book when it came out few years ago and saw him with starting the Dirty Mind tour throuh the 1999 tour!! Really good book too!!

[@ivandesantis858]

Thanks for answering a question I always wondered about. I've seen interviews with Dez and he seems like a very balanced individual. In my opinion Dez should always be proud because he contributed his talent and was a part of my all time favorite Prince album "1999'. I respect his reasons for leaving but I feel he would have continued to collaborate successfully with Prince had he stayed.

[@PrincesFriend]

No problem